Western False Asphodel: Carnivorous Flower Stem for Nitrogen

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the western false asphodel (Triantha occidentalis) and its carnivorous behavior, specifically focusing on its flower stem during the flowering season. Participants explore the plant's method of capturing and digesting insects for nitrogen, as well as expressing interest in other plants that could target specific pests.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the western false asphodel captures insects on its flower stem using sticky threads, similar to sundew plants.
  • One participant expresses a desire to find a plant that can attract and digest Japanese beetles and brown marmorated stink bugs, mentioning the absence of these pests in their raspberry patch.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of samurai wasps as a potential biological control for pests, though this is not directly related to the carnivorous plant discussion.
  • References to other carnivorous plants, such as Philcoxia, are made, highlighting their unique adaptations for nutrient acquisition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the carnivorous nature of the western false asphodel, but there is no consensus on the effectiveness of other plants or methods for pest control, as multiple approaches are suggested without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the effectiveness of specific plants for pest control remain unverified, and the discussion does not resolve the potential interactions between different pest management strategies.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in botany, particularly carnivorous plants, pest management, and ecological interactions may find this discussion relevant.

BillTre
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The western false asphodel (Triantha occidentalis) has been shown to be carnivorous, but only on the stem of it's flower (so only in flowering season).
Screen Shot 2021-08-10 at 2.34.24 PM.png


Insects get stuck on sticky little threads on the flower stem and then get digested there (kind of like a sundew plants does).
Screen Shot 2021-08-10 at 2.34.53 PM.png


News article from Science.
NY Times article.

One of the articles also mentioned the genus Philcoxia, another kind of carnivorous plant I had not heard of. It grows underground leaves to gather very small soil nematodes.

In all cases, the plants do this to get nitrogen, which they can not get from the soils in which they grow.
 
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That's awesome. Nature rulz!
 
BillTre said:
The western false asphodel (Triantha occidentalis) has been shown to be carnivorous, but only on the stem of it's flower (so only in flowering season).
I'd like to find a plant that attracts and digests Japanese beetles and brown marmorated stink bugs.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_marmorated_stink_bug

Since the raspberry patch died back, we haven't seen Japanese beetles, but we see many stink bugs, mostly those that wintered in the siding and window frames.

I've seen fly traps and pitcher plants in the area, but non in our neighborhood.
 
Astronuc said:
I'd like to find a plant that attracts and digests Japanese beetles and brown marmorated stink bugs
Samurai wasps are coming for rescue!
 
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